A boating access site on Black Lake will temporarily close in July for improvements.

The Department of Natural Resources has announced that the Black Lake State Forest boating access site in Cheboygan County will begin a temporary closure for installation of a new concrete boat ramp on Monday, July 8.

Work will be completed by a DNR construction crew. The boat launch is expected to be open by Saturday, July 13.

The project is funded through the Michigan State Waterways Fund, a restricted fund derived from boat registration fees and the Michigan marine fuel tax, which is used for construction, operation and maintenance of recreational boating facilities, harbors and inland waterways.

DNR personnel said the project is part of the DNR's dredging initiative. Because there is not enough water depth at this particular site to launch some sizes of boats, it is hoped that the improvements will help.

A sign posted at the site says the ramp will be extended and the angle of the ramp will be improved. Boaters who still wish to launch their boats on Black Lake during the closure should use the launch at the Onaway State Park, which is seven miles to the south.

DNR personnel acknowledged that the timing of the project is not ideal, but were able to defer the work at this site from the Fouth of July holiday, when it was to be scheduled.

For more information or updates about this project, contact Paul Koszegi, Cheboygan State Park unit supervisor and Black Lake State Forest administrator, at 231-627-2811.